ITA about the shininess of the gold - I loved that anchor bracelet but returned it for that reason. I think I reviewed it a while back. It's not nearly as noticeable on that translucent stone bracelet which looks great.

I seem to have this coat from another season (it's a couple of years old). Mine was a retail store purchase, but this one looks just like it. I love mine, it is a very versatile jacket and a more feminine option as compared with the Downtown Field Jacket (or the newer Charlie and Boyfriend Fatigue Jackets). The cinched waist gives it a more defined/feminine shape. It is light-weight.

Mine is TTS. I have a Medium and I can layer under it. I buy Medium in most J. Crew shirts that have a shoulder seam (I size down in sleeveless). I could probably go down a size in this jacket, but I don't like my shoulders to feel constricted, plus I want to be able to layer.

I just bought this. Overall it's TTS, but for me the arms were a bit tight on me. Since it's unlined, it would be difficult to layer sleeves underneath if you don't have thin arms. I'm going to try to go up a size. Overall, I love it. The waist can be cinched, and I didn't find it too tight in the bust or at the hip.

If you're searching for a cheaper version, H&M had a couple that seemed of decent quality that I tried on in-store. I'm trying to decide between an H&M jacket and the sized-up Factory Military Jacket once it arrives.

I made a quick visit to the store the other night and tried on the Sera top in traced medallion. BEAUTIFUL fabric and I love the way it skims the body. It is also gigantic and boxy. I normally take an 8 in sleeveless dresses and tops (10 in blazers, 12 in coats) and I would size down to a 6 in this. (Caveat: I am very flat-chested). I think I would be unable to tuck it unless I were wearing a high-waisted skirt or something. Granted, I am long-waisted but I think the top is really quite boxy and free flowing, meant to be worn untucked. I think calling it "tailored" on the website is misleading. It looks amazing under a blazer. With all that said, I would not pay full price for this but will definitely stalk it for a sale.

Question: has anyone noticed that the lapels on the navy schoolboy jacket are shrinking away? I was going to finally pull the trigger on this (have wanted one for years!) but I tried it on (size 10) and the lapels were so skinny it practically looked like a shawl collar jacket!

Hi JCAs Please help. I am seriously thinking of the Stadium-cloth cocoon coat, but I have some reservations with respect to sizing. I have the Majesty peacoat from last year in a size 4 and the fit is fine but proably could have gone up a size w/o an issue. Was wondering if sizing up to a 6 in the cocoon coat would be a bad idea, it seems a little over sized to me. There were no 4s left and thought maybe a 6 would be OK? Any comments would be greatly appreciated!!! TIA

I have the size 6 in the majesty and also have a size 6 in the cocoon. I have broad shoulders so sizing down wasn't an option for me. (I'm a size 4 in blazers and jackets). I LOVE my coat! Hopefully you'll be able to catch it on a popback.

Oh, yay thank you so much! I'm looking for one that is lightweight and cotton. The ones I like online (like Paige) are ridiculous expensive or are cut so strangely (Zara). Thank you for taking the time to write back!

Tried on the Liberty-collar merino sweater in navy. I grabbed a small and while it fit fine, it felt boxy yet a little short in the torso. The collar was also really hard to button/unbutton. I didn't try a xs to compare, unfortunately, but I would imagine that sizing down would make it even shorter.

I surprisingly liked the pop-art tee in the mint color. I don't need any graphic tees but this one was really cute. You can probably size down in this...I tried a small but it had plenty of room.

My favorite try-on (and eventual purchase) was what appears to be an in-store only item...a chambray polka dot schoolboy blazer. I fell hard for this piece. It's going to look darling over colorful knit dresses in the summer! Fit TTS, but size up if you'll be doing a lot of layering.

I have a question about the fit of the Blythe blouse. I love the way mine fits...until I try to reach very far with my arms (a little tight in the shoulders). I'm considering sizing up to make it more comfortable, but I'm afraid the rest of it will be too big. Anybody know how much difference there is between 0 and 2 in this shirt?Thanks!

I had two different Blythes in a 0 (polka-dots) and a 2 (in the extravagant green). It is mostly bigger in the body. While the style of the blouse allows to go up a size since it isn't supposed to be fitted I realized that I didn't reach for it because I didn't like how it looked. I would keep the smaller one unless you feel really uncomfortable.

Merino Boyfriend Sweater - Thanks to 'A Bigger Closet's' advice, I sized down. I'm glad I did. The sleeves are comfortable slim and the body is loose, but not overly so. The only issue I have is that there is an odd pooch of excess fabric in back, behind the armpit area. (anyone else have this issue?) I'm still debating on whether this bothers me enough to return it. Otherwise, I really like the sweater.

Can't reply, but Jacquelyn, the UPS man heard you and delivered the pixilated houndstooth skirt to me today. I don't have pictures, but I can say that while the fit is great (the shape is flattering and the length is not too long), I will be returning it because of the fabric. The orange pixilated part is woven in and in the skirt sent to me it was already pulling out and fraying. This fabric will not last, particularly if you sit down in an office. Very pretty to look at though!

Anyone try on or see the Factory Frayed Tweed blazer? It's navy and I think it looks really cute, but would love to hear opinions of those who have seen it IRL. Do you think it will go further on sale?

Corduroy shorts #64198 in courier blue are great. A slightly relaxed cut, soft cord fabric with a vintage 70s vibe. They completely remind me of the Hang Ten Company I remember from high school and university. The yellow was far too bright and the khaki too tame.

I received the collection tossed carnations skirt today. My initial impressions: the background colour is a bit darker grey than on the website. The colours of the carnations are really pretty, a vibrant green,turquoise,chartreuse,bronze and a bit of black. The silk is a fairly substantial weight with a bit of shine. The lining is poly. The skirt is above the knee on me (I am 5'9) but there is a 2 inch hem. I would say it runs TTS to slightly small. I wear either a size 2 or 4 in the no. 2 pencil skirt, depending on the fabric and how I want the skirt to sit on my waist or a bit lower. I would definitely not be able to wear a size 2 in this skirt. I am unsure yet whether I will keep it. For a $400 skirt I am a bit underwhelmed. Perhaps that has something to do with how it was delivered - folded in half so it has a crease, wrapped in plastic and in the typical brown paper wrapping. I would have thought for the price they could have at least put it on a hanger and in a box so that it would not come with the big crease mark that I will have to iron out.

I tried on the Rosie dress in store in the navy colorblock version. But WOW it is short! I am barely 5'3" and the dress is not at all appropriate for work, even when I sized up. The thin silk makes it seem very nightgown like and even if it wasn't uncomfortably short I'm not sure where I would ever wear the dress.

It's too bad, since the online-only medallion paisley version looks so lovely

I got the medallion paisley version knowing it would be way too short as a dress (I am 5' 9"). I consider it a tunic. :-)

The print is gorgeous, better than I expected. And it does work as a tunic (I read some concerns about it being narrow through the hips but I did not find it to be a problem). But I am still on the fence. The sleeves are a little snug and I am worried about the silk being too thin/delicate to get much wear.

OT, but does anyone live near or ever been to the J. Crew in Honolulu? I'm wondering if it's worth adding to my itinerary when I visit HI. The context is that I live in Canada and have zero B&M access...so this would kinda be like a pilgrimage. (;

Hi gumdrops... I'm a Canadian gal too. I visited the J.Crew store in Ala Moana Center in Hawaii in 2010. The location was nearest to Nordstrom. Its not a full B&M store. Its J.Crew-on-the-island store. (http://www.alamoanacenter.com/App_Images/AMC-Maps_Listings.pdf)

It was small. I bought some cute sandals and that's it. I was disappointed. Actually the Banana Republic flagship store in Ala Moana is the best one I have ever been in. I wouldn't stay in Honolulu just to visit the J.Crew store though.

If you stay in Honolulu you may want to think of these activities: Ala Moana Center, high end shopping in Waikiki, Waikiki Beach, Hananuma Bay, Pearl Harbour and area. Have an amazing trip!!

Gumdrops,I spend my summers in Hawaii (mostly Oahu) so I was excited to see your post. Whether you should visit JCrew at Ala Moana all depends on where you are staying. If you are staying in Waikiki/honolulu, then spending a few hours at the mall is not a bad idea. Ala Moana is the largest open air mall in the world and has high end stores like Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, as well as low end stores like Forever 21. It has something for everyone. They also have good restaurants and gift shops for souvenirs. The JCrew store there is not huge but is very chic and has incredible service. I've always felt that they carry all the basics (perfect shirts, Tippis, Minni Pants, etc) However, they rarely have sale merchandise. I'd be happy to give you more info on Hawaii if you need it. Just leave me your email. Happy travels!

The sizeable order on the first day of the promo arrived today. Mostly Tippis in various colors but also some other non-final sale tryouts.

I'm saying bye-bye to: The Sera top that made me look preggers though I loved how fresh the Melon color looked against my skin. I have got to find that color in another far less billowy and shapeless top.

Indian Voile popover in Pagoda blue (gorgeous color) that arrived with a hole near the placket. This is the second one that showed up with a hole. I'm going to exchange it in store...or should I take that as a sign and leave it alone?

I love the girls' charm bracelet in aquatic life. It is so perfect for my smaller wrists. Delicate and simple. Can't wait for spring/summer to wear it. It's a brighter gold that I know many JCAs loathe but it's fine with me because its size is so unassuming. Extends to 7" but can be worn at the 6" and 6.5" mark.

Got the Tippi in Navy, Heather Silver, Heather Turquoise, Tropical Green, Lemon Pulp & Light Nectar. Don't judge, they're my go to basic sweaters and a great deal at the promo price + 30% off. The promo price has since gone up for all the colors that's weren't on final sale already, except for the navy, black & ivory which went back to full price. hmph! smh.The Tropical green color is so very close to the Retro Jade color, only off by about one degree. I'm keeping the TG and giving my sis the RJ. And from about a distance of 12 feet you'd be hard-pressed to tell Hthr Turquoise and Turqoise pool apart. From up close the former is lighter and heathered, of course, of course. The Navy is so dark that I had to compare it with a black sweater to make sure that it was indeed navy. It'll probably look brighter outdoors.

Finally, finally got a Saturday pant without a hole or tear in it after 4! attempts. Now that I have it in my possession, I am re-considering my ownership of an item that appears to unravel at the seams so easily. Go figure. Can someone please tell me that it's my bad luck and that it wears well?

After reading all the rave reviews about it, the Stadium-cloth Cocoon coat in Dublin Green is due to arrive tomorrow. Hope I picked the right size.

Thanks Jan. I'm just happy to contribute to this wonderful community that Alexis has created.

I need to revise my review of the Heather turquoise color. While it appears close to the Turquoise Pool color it more blue it.I have photos of them side by side if anyone wants to see for themselves in case I come off confusing.

Has anyone tried the tapered hipster swimsuit bottoms? Last summer the bottoms that I normally buy ran very large. The extra small was even too big on me. Wondering if they corrected this. Any info on the tapered hipster bottom or the sizing of their swimwear would be appreciated!

I just got the cashmere cardi in windowpane check and shell in microcheck. Nice colors (green, navy and blue), but I should have known better (too much crewlade).

The keyword here is "featherweight". While I have several featherweight cashmere cardis from previous spring/summer seasons that I love, I never paid much for them. For the price of these, I was expecting something nicer. The fabric is thin and looses its shape quickly. Worse, the windowpane looks like it will snag like crazy. The microcheck looks better in this regard, however the armholes of the shell are not so much large as oddly cut. Not sure sizing down would help. Bottom line for me is that for the price, these needed to be much better. They are going back.

I need help with the gingham shirts. I tried on the stretch perfect shirt in a small and it fit perfectly everywhere it was too small on the busy. I could wear a cami under it and that would solve the problem, but are there any other gingham shirts that fit better in the bust? Thanks.

Purchased the MINNIE PANT IN BI-STRETCH WOOL in black yesterday at my B&M. I am not a huge fan of the Minnie, even though I have a couple of pairs in the twill. I get a horrible camel toe look. But these were amazing on so worth a try at the sale price with the 30% off. Got my usual size of 2. HTH.

Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

Incidentals

The following blog is just a forum for people to express their thoughts and opinions about J.Crew. Also, please note that most (if not all) of the images come from J.Crew's website and/ or catalog. Lastly, J.Crew is *not* affiliated with this site. :)